Agreed Dennis, I'm not seeing the issue here... the film has taken in $168 million worldwide and will eclipse $400 million (probably more like $450 million), easily passing the box office take of Trek 2009.

$400 million is okay for a film of this budget level. $450 million or higher and you're on much more solid ground. I'm sure there'll be a sequel either way, but that sequel's budget level could rest on where in the 400s the film ends up.

I highly doubt anyone in Paramount is nervously wringing their hands when STID met the original projections by Paramount of $85 million for the total through Sunday.

Nervously wringing their hands? No. Somewhat disappointed after all the extra expense and the expectations that go with a sequel to a well-liked film? Sure. And, again, the initial forecast of $85 million was for a 3-day weekend, not a 4-day weekend. It makes a pretty big difference when it comes to the ripple effect as the box office run unfolds.